Matthew Dominic Darnell, son of John and Sherry Darnell of South Chicago Heights, Ill. and grandson of Eleanor and the late Jesse Boyd Darnell of Cadiz, graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago campus on May 7, 2011.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering. Matthew graduated first in his class, Summa cum Laude, and gave the Student Address for the Class of 2011. He received recognition for special achievements and the Bell Award.

The Bell Award is presented to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average of each semester’s graduating class. His name will be added to a permanent plaque donated by the Engineering Alumni Association. This tradition dates back to 1951.

Matthew was also congratulated for his time in the Navy serving on the U.S.S. Enterprise, maintaining the nuclear power plant.